On 7 November 2016, ElectraNet commenced the South Australian Energy Transformation (SAET) Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) by publishing a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR).

The purpose of the SAET RIT-T is to identify solutions that will facilitate South Australia’s energy transformation and help lower power prices, improve system security and facilitate the transition to lower carbon emissions.

Options that were highlighted in the PSCR include new interconnectors between South Australia and neighbouring eastern states and alternative solutions that do not involve an interconnector, such as demand response, generation options, battery storage and other solutions (a non-interconnector solution).

At a public forum held on 8 December 2016, ElectraNet received feedback from potential proponents of non-interconnector or non-network solutions that more information about both the identified need and ElectraNet’s proposed process would assist them to make submissions to the PSCR.

The purpose of this supplementary Information Paper is to provide additional details on:

the identified need and the likely nature of the services that could meet it;

aggregate power system targets for service levels from non-network solutions

the information that ElectraNet would require from proponents in order to assess their proposed solution options; and

the process that ElectraNet proposes to adopt to review and assess non-network solutions within the RIT-T.

ElectraNet is committed to finding solutions that are in the best interests of customers.

By publishing this Supplementary Information Paper, ElectraNet is seeking to facilitate potential proponents of non-network solutions to participate in the RIT-T process and propose solutions that could meet the identified need. Interested parties are encouraged to review both the PSCR, including this Supplementary Information Paper and the Market Modelling Approach and Assumptions Report available at electranet.com.au, and share their thoughts and ideas.

Submissions to the PSCR are sought on or before 5pm Monday, 27 February 2017 and will be summarised in the Project Assessment Draft Report, which will be published in mid-2017.